Mack
Mack MP8: Specs, Service Intervals, Lifespan & Common Problems
The Mack MP8 is a 13-liter inline-six diesel assembled in Hagerstown, Maryland. It is the on-highway engine in the Mack Anthem. Mack lists 415–505 hp and 1,460–1,860 lb-ft. Its oil, filter and fuel-filter intervals use Mack EOS-4.5 oil. They are 60,000 miles for normal duty, 45,000 for heavy duty, and 35,000 for severe duty.
Figures taken from the manufacturer's own published documents. Last reviewed September 23, 2026.
What are the Mack MP8 specs?
| Type | Direct-injection diesel, 6-cylinder inline |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 13 L class (Mack lists 780 cu in) |
| Bore × stroke | 5.16 in × 6.22 in (131 mm × 158 mm) |
| Compression ratio | 16:1 |
| Power and torque | 415–505 hp, 1,460–1,860 lb-ft |
| Engine brake retarding power | 500 hp (372 kW) at 2,100 rpm |
| Dry weight (approx.) | 2,597 lb (1,177 kg) |
| Firing order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
Commonly paired with the mDRIVE; see the transmission specs reference.
Fitted in the Mack Anthem; compare with the truck model specs.
How long does a Mack MP8 last?
Mack's MP8 page doesn't state a design-life mileage or warranty terms, so this page doesn't print either. What Mack does publish is a maintenance one. Mack Premium Long-Life Coolant is listed for replacement at 1,000,000 miles or 96 months. Mack also says all its engines, transmissions and drivelines are assembled in Hagerstown, Maryland. Its own marketing claims are manufacturer claims, not independent test results. One is a wave-piston design it says cuts soot 90% and improves fuel economy 2%.
Warranty, as the OEM lists it
- Not stated on the Mack MP8 page reviewed. Confirm coverage in writing for the specific truck
How often should you change the oil in a Mack MP8?
Mack's published intervals for model year 2011 and newer MP7/MP8/MP10 engines with the 42 L / 44 qt oil pan. They use Mack EOS-4.5 premium oil, and replace oil, filters and fuel filters together. Mack lists a second, slightly lower figure beside each one (marked with a footnote on its page: 55,000, 40,000 and 30,000 miles). So check Mack's page for which applies to your truck.
| Duty cycle | Oil and filter interval |
|---|---|
| Normal duty (over 6 mpg) | 60,000 miles (or 1,700 hours) |
| Heavy duty (over 5 mpg) | 45,000 miles (or 1,300 hours) |
| Severe duty (under 5 mpg) | 35,000 miles (or 825 hours) |
- Engines from model years 2011 to 2016 that use the older Mack EOS-4 oil have shorter published intervals (45,000 / 35,000 / 25,000 miles). The oil you run changes the answer.
- Mack Premium Long-Life Coolant: replace at 1,000,000 miles or 96 months.
Put your interval on a schedule with the maintenance scheduler.
What are the common problems with the Mack MP8?
For the MP8, repair-industry sources most often mention four areas. Several reports concern early MP8 engines, so the model year matters.
- Injector cups
- Injector-cup failures are the most-cited MP8 concern, reported in roughly the 300,000–600,000-mile range. Repair sources also warn that mixing the older copper cups with the newer conical steel cups in one engine can cause serious damage.
- EGR valve and cooler
- Erratic EGR operation and clogging are reported. Repair sources tie them to injector problems. Poor atomization makes more soot, which loads the EGR system.
- Variable-geometry turbo
- Turbo failure is cited among the recurring causes of MP8 repairs.
- DEF and aftertreatment
- DEF system faults and DPF restriction are reported. The familiar speed-limited derate follows when the system fails.
There is no public, independent failure-rate data for any heavy-duty diesel. So this section isn't a defect ranking. It lists the repair categories that shops and parts suppliers repeatedly report for this engine. Those sources sell repairs and parts, which is worth remembering. The same handful of systems (EGR, turbo, aftertreatment, fuel system) show up on every modern SCR-equipped diesel. Treat these as things to inspect on a used truck and to watch on your own, not as odds.
When a warning light comes on, decode it with the fault code lookup. Before you buy a used truck, run the VIN decoder and the used truck inspection checklist.
How does it compare with other heavy-duty engines?
Each engine guide on this site follows the same format and the same sourcing rule, so you can read them side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Mack MP8 the same as a Volvo D13?+
They're closely related but not identical. Mack and Volvo are both part of the Volvo Group. Both list a 13-liter inline-six with the same 5.16 × 6.22 in (131 × 158 mm) bore and stroke and 780 cu in displacement. But Mack lists a 16:1 compression ratio for the MP8 versus 18:1 for the Volvo D13. The two list their engine-brake power at different speeds. These are related engines, not one engine with two badges.
How long does a Mack MP8 last?+
Mack's MP8 page doesn't state a design-life mileage, and no independent study exists. So any specific number is unsourced. Repair-industry comment suggests results vary widely with maintenance, especially around the injector cups. Treat that as anecdote. A documented service history is the real indicator.
What are the common problems with the Mack MP8?+
Repair-industry sources most often report injector-cup failures (roughly 300,000–600,000 miles), EGR valve and cooler problems, turbo failure, and DEF/aftertreatment faults. Earlier engines carry most of the reputation. Those sources sell repairs and there's no independent failure-rate data. So use it as an inspection list.
How often should I change the oil in a Mack MP8?+
For model year 2011 and newer engines with the 42 L pan and Mack EOS-4.5 oil, Mack lists these intervals. Normal duty (over 6 mpg): 60,000 miles. Heavy duty (over 5 mpg): 45,000. Severe duty: 35,000. A slightly lower alternate figure is noted beside each on its page. Older engines running EOS-4 oil have shorter intervals.
Sources
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Specs, intervals and warranty terms change by model year and configuration. Confirm the exact figures for a specific truck against the maker's current documents and your written warranty before you make a purchase or maintenance decision. Reported-issue information comes from repair and parts businesses, not from an independent failure study.
Free tools for a Mack MP8 truck
Decode fault codes, keep service on schedule and check a truck before you buy.
- Diesel Fault Code Lookup (SPN/FMI)Decode the SPN/FMI fault codes this engine reports.
- Preventive Maintenance SchedulerTrack oil and filter intervals by odometer for your duty cycle.
- Breakdown Cost EstimatorEstimate what a breakdown costs in repairs and lost revenue.
- Truck Breakdown TriageIf this engine shows a red lamp or overheats, see if you should stop now.